Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Leoma Man Charged With Arson In Tuesday Fire
A Leoma man was incarcerated Tuesday afternoon in the wake of a fire at his U.S. Highway 43 South residence.
Reports filed through the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department show that emergency personnel were dispatched to the scene shortly before 3:00 p.m.
Resident Billy Paris Hagan, Jr. age 35, admitted to deputies that he was responsible for the fire. He said that a grease fire ignited while he was cooking. Because he was despondent over the state of his marriage, he said he decided to burn the mobile home down.
Hagan told deputies that he tore paper and threw it about the home, then poured gasoline on the fire. He received medical treatment at the scene for minor injuries he had sustained.
Deputies noted that Hagan has a history of depression. At the time of the fire they said it appeared that he was intoxicated and under the influence of prescription medications.
The home, which Hagan rents, was deemed a complete loss. It had an estimated value of $43,500.
Hagan was arrested and transported to the Lawrence County Detention Center where he was booked under an arson charge.
Hagan was scheduled an initial appearance in Lawrence County General Sessions Court on October 1, 2013.
